O.K., Here's the Deal With "28 Days Later"

Rating: 9/10 (10 July 2003)

This movie seems to be drawing a real "love it or hate it" response from viewers. Here's why: A lot of people are going to this film hoping to see "Night of the Living Dead" all over again. It's not that kind of film. Others are hoping to see "Friday the 13th" all over again. It's not that kind of film, either. If this kind of thing is what you want, you will be disappointed. The problem is that viewers are confusing the disappointment of not getting what they wanted with thinking that the movie is horrible.
The movie is brilliant.
Danny Boyle has done something that few directors ever get to do. He made an extremely uncommon film. First, let me say that this movie was pain-stakingly and lovingly crafted. The music, for example, is simply awesome. I would be proud to do a score like this. The aesthetic that he captured with the all-digital filming is very powerful and gives the film a certain feeling that has NOT been overdone, for a change. (This in particular seems to bother a lot viewers who complain that "The picture is terrible!" Come on, people. Get a clue, would you? He's doing this on purpose. Boyle knows the difference between grainy and crystal-clear. It's known as a "visual aesthetic" and every good director does it.) There's also a lot of reviewers are offended that this movie is being described as a "thinking-man's horror movie". Well, sorry folks, but that's exactly what it is. It's not the normal brain-dead tripe that passes for scary film making in Hollywood these days. There's no ghosts, psychopaths with hockey masks or supernatural reanimated corpses anywhere to be found. (Special thanks Alex Garland for this.) This situation is much worse. This is about people who were just fine 30 seconds ago and are now beyond all help. It is horrific. I don't want to spoil the movie for anyone, so I won't go into plot details. Instead, I'll just say that if you like intelligent, thinking films and are a fan of movies like "Twelve Monkeys", then this will be your cup of tea. (Do note, however, that the comparison to "Twelve Monkeys" is based on the quirky, smart nature of the film and not necessarily the content. "28 Days Later..." is CONSIDERABLY more violent.) Thanks to Mr. Boyle, Mr. Garland and all the others involved. You folks did something that was really engaging to watch. It's been too long.
For all of the disappointed horror fans out there: Sorry, kiddies. They wrote this one for all of the grown-ups in the audience. Why don't you just save your money go rent "Friday the 13th, part 41: Jason Takes Buckingham Palace"?